ULTIMA

I knew I was gonna get asked that. It's not available to average folk yet.

I recently did get back to working in hockey an did see the gear up close. Changes were made but nothing of any significance. The design of the previous generations of Ritual have made it a success as far as sales are concerned. Some argue otherwise as we've not see many sets at the pro level in North America but that's not affecting Warrior as a company, they are doing just fine. If you've enjoyed the previous Ritual gear families, you're gonna like this one. It's got 12 color zones (on the face) but as I'v been messing around with the customizer, it's a tricky graphic to dress up and I'v spent a decent amount of time trying to get something that I like. The graphics are used best to match whatever striping that is on your sweater/socks. There is weave available but it's not even 10 colors.

Hmmmm My only gripe is that I think color zones 5 and 3 should be continuing onto the outer role. I know that's nothing new and that's the trend but....yeah. Otherwise it looks good. Better than several of their past graphics for sure.

The latest in jackass-ery potential buyers It's NEVER a good idea to back out unless truly necessary. But when I hear bullshit like "I can't man, wifey is not happy about me buying more stuff, so I gotta be out". My fellow brethren, you think she'd ever ask you for permission to buy more make up? More shoes? Etc. I'd rather stop getting responses and be ignored than hear this kinna crap from you. Real or not real, no one wants to hear that kind of "excuse". That includes you, Jeff...

I don't know if this will end up in the right spot, admin feel free to move this to a more appropriate area of the forums if you believe so. I may get into trouble for what i have to say but it's been a long time coming. I feel compelled to talk about the rights and the wrongs of being buying or selling gear online because for years I get the same kinna jackoffs saying and doing the the same things that can be extremely irritating. I almost feel like there should be a database of names of people who do the following that should be exposed for wasting other people's time and just being general trolls. • Whats wrong when you're a potential buyer is for you to not agree with the price and dictate what YOU think it should be. Do you walk in Wal-Mart, Home Depot ect., look at the price of a product, disagree with it and then before a manager or associate and tell them "You're never gonna sell this at that price"? This situation couldn't be made worse with the exception of when the person saying these things has absolutely no interest in purchasing. • What's wrong when you're a potential buyer is making an offer for something, having no confidence with that offer and then backing out without notice. I get that things happen and we are all human beings. But Jesus Christ, I can't tell you how many excuses along the lines of "My car broke down" or "My kid needs braces" I'v heard.It's no secret that hockey can be costly. It's been a well known fact since the earth cooled. If you can't afford to play, I'm sorry to say get another sport. And you DEFINITELY shouldn't ever say "I'll take it for sure" meenwhile the seller now has to turn down offers because he thinks he has it sold. Those of you who do things like this on here, Facebook groups, Kijiji etc. know who you are and you are damn lucky I don't publicly shame and expose you for being a prick. If this thread doesn't get deleted, please feel free to add to the list of the rights and the wrongs. It's about time there be some "rules" or guidelines that people be aware of. Happy to take any heat from those who are offended.

Lefebvre certainly helped get the goalie division of CCM/Koho/Heaton/Reebok/etc. off the ground and kept it the top goalie brand around for like 3 decades. But if they decide to part ways, I don't think anyone should be worried. CCM has the money, they have the resources, they have the expertise and I think will do just fine without Lefebvre if the partnership is finished and still remain at the top.

I saw those black/gold pads up close. It truly is a newer modern version of the Premier. They did trim a tonne off the pad to drop weight and have a thinner profile. And some of those color zones are printed so they are also going that direction. At first glance it does look atrocious but I'm positive that opinion will change.

I have to say...something happened somewhere in between the G3 and G4 pads. I had G3 leg pads and they were bang on. The height was good and the knee sat dead center in the cradle. The next version of the G4 came out and the height was too big and the knee sat differently. The worst part is that I didn't do my due diligence and try on the G4 and ordered them blind. Way too big and I had to sell the gear. Always try on.

Tell me it's just a name change with new lipstick and tweaks. Or is it something very different?

Anyone who has Bauer gear with custom graphics, can you let me know how long the wait was?

Ah I see now what you mean. I wasn't aware of that. I think you and I are mixing up the definitions of NHL Specifications VS. NHL Regulations. The package I have is referred to (from Vaughn) as "NHL Spec" but I can't confirm if it's a regulation unit. Having said that, that part you posted is not sewn down.

As far as I know, NHL Specifications include beefed up areas in the unit. What do you mean non-adjustable floaters? I don't follow.

After that I'll need to say goodbye to my playing career.

Velocity 8 custom chest/arm, NHL specification. Aviator blue with red logos. And before anyone asks, I do not show my face on the internet hence the mask.

This finally happened

I believe you are correct. The standard/stock +1.5 on pads was massive for me. I couldn't move and had to sell my gear, what a shame.

I don't understand your question - there is no one area of your hand slipping out, the entire hand slips out. When you release and open the glove back up, you feel the urge to use your other hand to push it back onto your hand and wrist. It wasn't just one opinion. the only way to correct it (I feel) is there need to be a a strap of some sort at the knuckle area to secure and stabilize your hand in the glove but there isn't. There are others in other areas but as much as we played around with it and tried getting it secure, the same thing kept happening.

The glove on the new GT2 is questionable. We got our demo set and myself along with other associates agree that when you snap the glove shut, you hand is being pushed backward out of the glove. Cranked the straps, mucked around with it and still felt like your hand was slipping out. I think that design needs to be tweaked. Anyone considering buying that glove, please do not buy blind and try it on beforehand.

I'v only seen one mask up close with vinyl on it. And it had pin top-size air bubbles scattered throughout it and a rough finish throughout the perimeter and vent holes. It really turned me off from the idea and cancelled my order on the spot. Could tell the dude was really annoyed at that but he couldn't explain all the imperfections. That was through only one place that did it, maybe others have had better success.

I gotta ask @Punisher Goalie @Patrick Roy's Wink @Imperative and anyone else who's gotta their mask wrapped After the application was put on, were there several (or any) small air bubbles in the vinyl? Please be truthful

I dunno about online. But in store, yellow marked down stickers on lots of stuff.

Ugh..."official". Anyway, I know Pro Hockey Life has lotsssss of E-Flex 3, Vapor, Ventus and GT stuff marked down. Like, a lot. Those interested should take advantage.

Cristobal Huet inspired paint job courtesy of Steve Nash/Eye Candy Air. 1 of 2 CCM Pro masks painted by him.

I do recall hearing that the year the first E-Flex was released, Vaughn lost HUGE momentum and was down 40% (as I was told) in custom orders and retail booking. SO they scaled back their labor. And I do remember Vaughn's wait times only being something like 10 weeks back around 2009. Here we are some 10 years later. and wait times are 16 weeks average. Have they still not recovered? Are more people ordering more Vaughn products but still haven't hired back workers?